Cookies are text files containing small amounts of information which are downloaded to your computer or mobile device when you visit a web site. The cookie then sends this information back to the originating web site when you visit it again.
Cookies make the interaction between users and websites faster and easier, and help to improve websites. Without cookies, a web site could not remember a user's preferences or registration details for a future visit.
Websites use cookies mainly because they save time and make the browsing experience more efficient and enjoyable. Cookies can also enable websites to monitor their users' web surfing habits and profile them for marketing purposes.